2023-11-09 00:12:00
Lens wanted to believe in its lucky European star. After the first leg, the Sang et Or were undefeated and could get closer to qualification in the event of a good result on Dutch soil. The start of the match is also convincing: launched in depth, Elye Wahi fails to win against the central defense of PSV (2nd). Irresistible in the league, the Eindhoven club finally wants to launch its season in the Champions League after having collected only two points in three matches.
De Jong strong head
After crossing into the axis, Bakayoko delivers a superb left-footed cross which finds Luuk de Jong’s head in front of Damso. The PSV captain managed to deceive Brice Samba with the help of the crossbar (1-0, 12th). This is the fourth time that Lensois have conceded the opener and during the first three matches, Franck Haise’s men have always been able to raise their heads. A new test begins for them this evening at the Philips Stadion.
The tension and intensity rise a notch between the two teams. The blows and yellow cards begin to rain down, Danso, Sotoca Wahi and Machado are thus warned on the Lensois side. Racing still managed to get a dangerous opportunity: on the right, Abdul Samed escaped after a foul on Thomasson. The Ghanaian international sees his cross evade everyone except Machado who arrives like a cannonball. Unfortunately the Lensois cannot get on target (44th). Racing returns to the locker room with a goal behind and above all a nervousness which must subside.
The start of the second half did not see Lens get off to a good start. The Artois club is still struggling against Dutch pressure and Brice Samba needs to be vigilant on a strike from Hirving Lozano (58th) to prevent a larger gap. Funny observation in this meeting: the Sang et Or slipped a lot. If it rains heavily at the Philips Stadion, the Lensois have more difficulty than their opponents to stand. New proof at the hour mark with Machado who misses a great opportunity by losing his balance (60th).
Eight yellow cards and one red for Lensois
Franck Haise makes changes to avoid the first European defeat of the season. One of the new arrivals Angelo Fulgini stands out on a long free kick, diverted for a corner by Walter Benitez (68th). Brice Samba is once again decisive in pushing back the break goal with Lozano who completely forgets Bakayoko at the time (80th).
Much more present in the last ten minutes, Racing will offer itself its best opportunity with Guilavogui who finds the post, despite an ideal striking angle (87th), behind Fulgini is too short to resume. This same Guilavogui will leave his partners numerically inferior in added time after receiving a second warning. Lens had one last opportunity but Tillman repelled a header from Danso on his line from a corner (90th).
Lens therefore lost for the first time this season but everything remains playable for qualification in the round of 16. If Arsenal have distanced themselves at the top of the group with nine points, Franck Haise’s men have five points before the last two days. On the program is a trip to the Emirates at the end of November before hosting Sevilla for the last day, December 12.
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